1 Thessalonians 2:7 “But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.”
There are not many experiences that are sweeter than cradling a tiny baby in your arms and nursing her. This was one of my precious joys of motherhood, and a memory I will always keep. The bond that forms between mother and child while nursing every few hours throughout the day and late night becomes so strong you believe you would do anything to provide for and protect that child.
Though not every mother has this opportunity of being the personal source of nutrition for their child, the mother instinct is still strong and a tender and gentle heart governs our motives and actions. These characteristics make a huge difference in the lives of our children, but the same characteristics also make a difference in the spread of the gospel.
The Apostle Paul had obviously observed this deep love and commitment shared between mother and child. That is why he used this example to portray to the Thessalonian believers his own deep love and concern for them. You wouldn’t necessarily expect a man to compare himself to a nursing mother. But Paul made this connection because of the accusations that others were speaking about him.
Paul and Silas had experienced great persecution in the town of Philippi. Upon leaving that city they travelled to Thessalonica where they spoke the gospel message to the people there. Many were convicted of their sin and received the word. Soon the persecution caught up with the apostle and his company and they were forced to leave the town under great duress.
Enemies tried to discredit Paul’s message by accusing him of error and wrong motives. Though he had been forced to leave the new believers physically, he was still with them in heart and spirit. The thought of his spiritual children’s believing the falsehoods was deeply distressing, so Paul defended himself by reminding the believers of the truth.
He had labored and endured hardship, working night and day so as not to be a burden to them. He exhorted, encouraged, and implored them as a father, but he also reminded them, “we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.” (1 Thessalonians 2:7) These qualities, strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit, had made a difference in those who listened to the message and many believed. The memory of Paul’s tenderness and genuine love spoke for itself and defended him against the enemy’s lies.
Historically we have thought most often of men as being preachers and speakers of the word of God, but a woman also has qualities that are essential to the spread of the gospel. We reflect many of God’s attributes such as love, tenderness, and faithfulness. It is built into us as women and mothers and reveals itself intensely as we care for our little ones.
As we develop that same kind of love and tenderness for the world, there is no limit to what God will accomplish through us. Neighbors and friends will see Jesus and be drawn to Him as they experience His love through us.
The truth needs to be spoken. People need to be exhorted and implored to turn to Christ. But they also need to see the gentleness and tender love of God. This kind of affection and caring is needed for our own children and the rest of the world to turn to the Savior. Let’s all use this inherent characteristic to its best advantage, and watch to see what God will do.
What keeps you committed to your babies and children even in the hard times?
How can you develop this same type of persistence for loving the world around you?
Pray that God will use the very nature He has created within you to bring others to an understanding of His love.
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